Can high blood pressure make you fail a DOT physical?

Yes. Drivers with blood pressure at or above 180/110 mmHg will fail the DOT physical. Lower levels of hypertension may result in shorter certification periods if under treatment.

Does diabetes disqualify you from a DOT physical?

Not always. Controlled diabetes with proper documentation may be allowed. Uncontrolled diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or complications can cause disqualification until managed.

Will sleep apnea cause you to fail a DOT physical?

Untreated or uncontrolled sleep apnea that causes daytime drowsiness can disqualify a driver. However, drivers who are compliant with CPAP or other treatments may qualify with documentation.

DOT Physical Exams - Florida

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Florida DOT Physical - What You Need to Know

DOT physicals are thorough medical exams mandated by the Department of Transportation for commercial motor vehicle drivers. They ensure that drivers are fitâ€”physically, mentally, and emotionallyâ€”to handle large vehicles on the roads. Certified medical examiners listed on the National Registry conduct these exams. Successful candidates earn a DOT medical certificate to keep a CDL license valid, as required by FMCSA. For help with DOT physical requirements, contact us at 800-221-4291.

During your exam, the medical examiner will complete a thorough health assessment to determine if you meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards. The process typically includes:

What Does a DOT Physical Include?

Health History Review
Vision Test

Hearing Test
Urinalysis

Vital Signs
Physical Examination

DOT Testing | DOT Breath Alcohol | DOT Consortium Services | MVR Reports Also Available

What is checked in a DOT Physical?

Review of health history and medications
Vision test (with corrective lenses allowed) meeting minimum standards
Hearing examination (via forced whisper or audiometry)
Blood pressure and pulse measurement
Full physical examination (systems checked)
Urinalysis (testing for specific gravity, protein, glucose)

After successful completion, the Medical Examiner's Certificate could be valid for up to 24 months. Some conditions might prompt shorter certification or need specialist input. Stay informed in Florida.

Who needs a DOT Physical?

A valid DOT medical certificate is required if you:

Hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) in classes A, B, or C for crossing state lines
Operate vehicles exceeding 10,001 lbs. GVWR in interstate commerce
Transport beyond 8 passengers for hire or 15 passengers not for hire
Carry placarded hazardous materials under DOT rules
Are employed by DOT-regulated bodies like FMCSA, FAA, or FTA, where medical qualification is essential. Ensure compliance, especially in Florida.

What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?

Government ID with photo
Eyeglasses/contact lenses and prescription
A list of all medications and their dosages
Data from CPAP usage (if applicable)
Documentation from specialists (cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes)
Recent A1C or blood pressure logs if needed

Ensure you have everything necessary for a complete examination, especially in Florida.

What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?

Medical card not issued
Temporary disqualification
Advice to consult your primary care physician
Possibility of FMCSA exemptions for certain conditions
Notification for your employer
Follow-Up Steps: Address the listed medical issues and retake the exam. Compliance is crucial, especially in Florida.

What Will Fail a DOT Physical?

Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical

Vision & Hearing: If your vision is worse than 20/40 in each eye even with correction, cannot distinguish traffic signals' colors, or have hearing loss preventing the hearing of a forced whisper at five feet.
Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Issues such as uncontrolled hypertension at or above 180/110 mmHg, recent cardiac events, or having a defibrillator without medical clearance.
Diabetes: Unmanaged diabetes with recurrent low sugar episodes or complications like neuropathy that affect safe driving.
Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea causing drowsiness or lung disease affecting oxygenation.
Neurological Disorders: Epileptic conditions (unless exempt), those causing sudden consciousness loss, dizziness, or uncontrolled tremors.
Substance Abuse: Usage of illegal drugs, alcohol dependency, or misuse of medication impairing driving.
Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe uncontrolled psychiatric disorders affecting judgment or reaction time.

Certain issues may temporarily disqualify you until proper documentation is provided, such as blood pressure control. Others like untreated seizures are generally seen as permanent disqualifications per FMCSA.